# take someone out back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-someone-out-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To get rid of; to eliminate.

## Examples

- The old computer is broken, so we should take it out back.
- He needs to take that rusty old bicycle out back.
- The company decided to take the outdated software out back after it caused too many errors.
- The manager realized the marketing strategy was a total failure and decided to take it out back before wasting more money.
- If your car keeps breaking down every week, you should probably take it out back and buy a reliable new one.
- The chef realized the new menu item was unpopular with customers, so he decided to take it out back and bring back the classic dishes instead.
- Faced with a failing project that drained all their resources, the board decided to take it out back and end the experiment permanently.

## Origin

Derived from the practice of removing a person or a domestic animal from public view to perform a summary execution or a necessary euthanasia. The phrase suggests a functional requirement for privacy during the administration of capital punishment or the terminal care of a pet. It implies that the unpleasantness is best conducted in the relative seclusion found behind a building, away from witnesses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.